In a rapidly changing world, Aruba has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting its identity and culture through the ratification of the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, in force since 2013. This convention is an international instrument that helps countries protect, promote, and pass on their customs, rituals, and expressions that form an essential part of our identity.
Intangible Cultural Heritage includes all cultural expressions that cannot be physically touched but live within communities: oral traditions, storytelling, traditional dance and music, rituals, festivals, knowledge of nature, and traditional craftsmanship. This heritage is passed down from generation to generation and requires attention to prevent it from disappearing over time.
The UNESCO Convention does not focus solely on protection, but also on the promotion, transmission, and sustainability of cultural heritage in a living way. Its main objectives are:
- To promote recognition of and respect for the cultural heritage of all peoples.
- To raise awareness of the value and importance of this heritage.
- To ensure that cultural heritage remains alive and is transmitted to future generations.
To strengthen the implementation of the convention, the Government of Aruba has established a new commission: the Aruba Intangible Cultural Heritage Commission (PCI Aruba). This commission consists of representatives from various institutions and government departments, with the goal of coordinating, advising, and actively monitoring compliance with the UNESCO Convention in Aruba, always in collaboration with the community.
As part of awareness-building on this topic, during an event at the National Archives of Aruba, held as part of its programming on January 22, 2026, PCI Aruba was officially presented. During the event, the commission provided an extensive explanation of the content of the convention, its importance for Aruba, and the key role the commission plays in protecting and promoting Aruba’s Intangible Cultural Heritage.
As part of its next steps, the Aruba Intangible Cultural Heritage Commission (PCI Aruba) will launch a survey campaign, with the aim of working together with the community to gather valuable information on traditions, customs, knowledge, and cultural practices that are still alive in Aruban society. The information collected will serve as an important basis for documentation, planning, and future actions to protect and promote Intangible Cultural Heritage in Aruba.
The presentation and the survey initiative emphasize that community participation is essential. Cultural heritage cannot exist without the people who practice it, pass it on, and value it. Therefore, collaboration between government, institutions, and the community is fundamental to keeping our cultural heritage alive.
Those who also wish to contribute to this survey can do so via the following link:
https://form.jotform.com/260183329941055
PCI Aruba will continue to share more information and initiatives to raise awareness and involve the community in Intangible Cultural Heritage.
For more information, please contact or email: info@pciaruba.com
Also visit the Facebook page: facebook.com/PCIAruba and the website: www.pciaruba.com
